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what to do in Arequipa: the colonial gem of Peru

Arequipa, often dubbed ‘the white city’ is the colonial pride of Peru. The second-largest city in the country combines beautiful colonial buildings with all modern amenities of a large urban dwelling. It is situated about 2300 meters above sea-level making it the perfect place to acclimatise to the altitude before visiting Cusco, Machu Picchu or Puno which are all a lot higher up. And with the Colca Canyon, El Misti and Chachani on its doorstep, there is really no reason to skip this beautiful colonial gem. The question that remains is, what to do in Arequipa? 

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Why I hated the beautiful Uros Islands

As a child I once saw a Discovery-documentary from Jacques Cousteau where he explained about the weird frilled frogs that live in lake Titicaca. Ever since visiting this lake has been high on my list. On the shores of lake Titicaca lies Puno, the second most visited town in Peru. People flock here to see the floating Uros islands. Yes they are undeniably beautiful. Yes they are unlike any other islands you have ever seen. But man did I hate visiting them.  Continue reading “Why I hated the beautiful Uros Islands”

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The Colca-canyon in 500 words

A few hours drive from Arequipa, the second largest city in Peru, the Rio Colca has carved out the Colca Canyon. Twice as deep as the Grand Canyon and the second deepest canyon in the world. Only the nearby Cotahausi Canyon is deeper but very hard to get to. Just after sunrise Andean Condors use the updrafts to glide over the gorge and if you are lucky they soar over at only a few meters distance. The spectacle can be seen at ‘Cruz del Condor’ which makes for a very impressive sight. Taking a Colca Canyon tour is the most popular option for visiting. Going independent however, is way more rewarding. Continue reading “The Colca-canyon in 500 words”

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Cusco: what to do in the backpacker-mecca of Peru

As the gateway to Machu Picchu, Cusco is rarely skipped on a trip to Peru. What once was the sparkling capital of the Inca’s has turned into a true backpacker-mecca. Very touristic, full of hawkers, but charming nonetheless. If you are looking for a comfortable base to explore the sacred valley, go out on treks or if you just really love the vibe of a backpacker-filled city, this is your spot. So if you want to know what to do in Cusco, read on. Continue reading “Cusco: what to do in the backpacker-mecca of Peru”

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The best way to get to Machu Picchu: the Salkantay Trek

The best way to get to the holy city of the Incas is not the easiest, but the 5 day/4 night Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu is worth every drop of sweat. You’ll be balancing rocky ridges between snow-capped peaks the one day, only to decent into lush rain forest the next. You’ll see glaciers, cross cold mountain streams, eat ripe fruits straight from the trees and relax in beautiful hot springs after a hard day of trekking. Salkantay trekking has it all and more, because not only is this an epic walk, it is also the route to Machu Picchu. Continue reading “The best way to get to Machu Picchu: the Salkantay Trek”

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How to visit Machu Picchu: all options explained

Visiting Machu Picchu can be done in all sorts of ways. A day-trip, a multiple-day trek following the old Inca-trail or the tougher but more interesting trek climbing the Salkantay mountain, opt for a high-adrenaline jungle tour including zip-lining, rafting and mountain biking or lazy it out taking the train and bus. This article is meant to give you a better understanding of what these options entail, so if Machu Picchu is on your itinerary, you better read on!

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Huacachina: the desert oasis in the middle of the Peruvian desert

One of the most surreal places I have ever spend the night is Huacachina, a small oasis in the middle of the desert. A blue greenish lagoon lined with palm-trees is surrounded by a few dozen structures. Rising above their roofs are the most massive sand-dunes you have ever seen. It gets even better: you can actually surf down these dunes on an old snowboard! Immensely beautiful, utterly bizarre and only a few hours drive from Peru’s capital Lima: welcome to Huacachina.

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Vietnam itinerary: Vietnam in 2 weeks

So you want to see Vietnam, only have two weeks and worry whether it will be enough. Worry no more! Based on my own travels, I have made the perfect itinerary. It allows you to see the best of the country without feeling rushed or spending way too much money on organized trips or airplane-tickets. Doing all of Vietnam in 2 weeks means making choices on what to visit and what to skip. If you follow this itinerary, you are sure to make the right ones.

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Bangkok to Siem Reap: a border crossing guide from Thailand to Cambodia

If you are traveling the banana-pancake trail, chances are high that you will at one point cross the border between Thailand and Cambodia. When traveling from Thailand to Cambodia, assuming you depart in Bangkok, you have three options: plane, bus or train. While air travel is undoubtedly the fastest and easiest, it is also the most pricey. Also its not really thrilling. Traveling  by road will be slow. A bit tricky at times and definitely uncomfortable at moments. BUT it is cheap and adventurous. If you follow the tips in this border crossing guide, there is really no way why going from Bangkok to Siem Reap should not be a breeze.

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